Black On Broadway 2025: 5 Must-See Shows

Source: Norman Jean Roy / Norman Jean Roy

Broadway lovers rejoice!

Following Winter’s Broadway Week, many new shows are underway–and it’s giving Black excellence. Already playing are fan favorites like The Lion King, & Juliet, MJ The Musical, Hell’s Kitchen and A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. Recently, former Vice President Kamala Harris was even spotted post-show at Gypsy, starring Audra McDonald.

The upcoming Broadway season is packed with revivals, originals, plays, and musicals. Denzel Washington is set to star in a Shakespearean classic. Phylicia Rashad is directing an intriguing family drama. Also, Broadway darlings Adrienne Warren, LaTanya Richardson, Kara Young and Jasmine Amy Rogers are stepping into leading roles.

RELATED CONTENT:  Destiny’s Children — Beyoncé And Kelly Rowland Reunite To Support Michelle Williams At ‘Death Becomes Her’ Opening Night

‘Purple Rain’ Is Being Turned Into A Musical For Broadway

Here’s a sneak peek of the best of what’s coming to the stage this year.

1. Othello

Starring as Othello, Denzel Washington returns to Broadway alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Molly Osborne. Directed by Kenny Leon, Othello is a modern take on Shakespeare’s tragedy (set in the near future). Not to mention, Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker are reportedly on the show’s production team. The new production will play a limited 15-week engagement on Broadway beginning February 24 and closing on June 8.

SEE ALSO

• Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
• ‘The Street I Grew Up On Is Now Named After Me’ — Trailblazer Dominique Morgan On Pride, Power And Blackness
• Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow

2. Purpose

Written by award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by Phylicia Rashad, Purpose is an epic kindred drama about the Jaspers, an influential Black American family. The all-Black cast features LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Kara Young and Harry Lennix as leads. Previews begin Feb. 25 and the show opens March 17.

SEE ALSO

• Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
• ‘The Street I Grew Up On Is Now Named After Me’ — Trailblazer Dominique Morgan On Pride, Power And Blackness
• Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow

4. The Last Five Years

Adrienne Warren and Nick Jonas co-star as Cathy and Jamie in Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years. The first-ever Broadway production follows two New Yorkers as they fall in and out of love over the course of five years. A beloved musical, The Last Five Years has been produced off-Broadway and regionally. Previews begin March 19 and the show opens April 6.

SEE ALSO

• Xscape Talks Platinum Single, Balancing Motherhood, And Kicking Off Their Summer Tour Without Exiled Group Member LaTocha Scott [Exclusive]
• ‘The Street I Grew Up On Is Now Named After Me’ — Trailblazer Dominique Morgan On Pride, Power And Blackness
• Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow

5. Boop! The Musical

Jasmine Amy Rogers stars as Betty Boop in Boop! The musical. Based on the iconic cartoon character, The Betty Boop Musical made its world premiere in Chicago at the CIBC Theatre back in 2023. The cast from the Chicago bow will continue on to Broadway beginning March 11 ahead of an April 5 opening.

RELATED CONTENT: Phylicia Rashad To Make Broadway Directorial Debut With ‘Purpose’